Spanish Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo (2010) – Design Spectrum

Wickerwork basket forming an organic building façade

For the Spanish Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010, thousands of panels featuring the traditional craft of wickerwork were fitted to a massive free-form, wave-like steel frame. As the translucent quality of the superimposed wickerwork and tubular steel beams allowed sunlight to enter the interior, the wickerwork moderated and softened the harsh sunlight. Not only is wickerwork commonly seen in the Iberian Peninsula, it is also a craft practiced around the world. The choice of wickerwork stressed the common bond between Spain and the rest of the world. The collaboration among artisans, architects, and engineers resulted in a unique venue for Spain, whose wickerwork façade left a lasting impression on many visitors. Architects at the world-renowned Miralles Tagliabue (EMBT), founded in Barcelona by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, designed the Spanish Pavilion.